TWO schools, both alike in dignity, in fair Bolton, where we lay our scene.

Star-cross’d youngsters took to the stage to act out one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays.

Eleven schools from across the borough staged the tragic love story Romeo and Juliet at St Bede’s Academy.

Every year, the primary school in Morris Green stages a poetry event featuring schools from across Bolton — but this year it was decided to introduce children to Shakespeare.

The play was divided into 11 parts, with each school rehearsing a section for the big performance.

St Bede’s CE Primary Academy teacher Lauren Hirst, said: “Each school was given the full script before they were given a part to perform. They were given the lines, and took responsibility for the costumes and acting, with children disco dancing at the ball, giving it a modern twist.”

Miss Hirst added: “The children were brilliant, I was impressed with their performances and they really enjoyed it. We had our Year Four children watching.”

She added: “Teachers from other schools thought it was a good idea to do something different and we will do something next year, a poetry or another Shakespeare play, and given the success of this, it could well be a play.”

All children who took part were given a Shakespeare book, and it is hoped that through taking part and performing, there may be some young new fans of the great playwright.